Comparison of road signs of English-speaking countries

Most road signs in the Commonwealth English-speaking countries use English text.

Other English countries include Canada, and the United States, none of which are signatories to the Vienna Treaty. They are also the only two countries listed here which drive on the right.

It is also worth noting that, unlike in other countries, considerable variation within road sign designs can exist within nations.

Differences between English traffic signs

The main differences relate to:

• Graphic design and symbological details
• The use of diamond or triangular regulatory signs
• The use of square-bordered or circular regulatory signs
• Local languages (signs may be bilingual or trilingual)
  • Most notable is the text on yield signs. Unlike in Europe, the text on yield signs varies depending on the text "GIVE WAY" or "YIELD". The intersection itself sometimes can be blank.

Differences in units

• All countries, with the exception of the United States and the United Kingdom, use the metric system. Certain countries mark this fact by using units on various signs. Speed limit signs generally do not list units. Ireland and parts of Canada (British Columbia, Ontario, and Yukon) list units (km/h or kph); advisory speed limit signs in most countries (including the United States, and excepting New Zealand) list units. Height, weight, and width restrictions are almost always accompanied by units (tonnes or metres), although in the US and the UK, the imperial ton is used.

Table of traffic signs comparison

	Australia	Botswana	Canada	Ontario	Ireland	Jamaica	Mauritius	NZ	Singapore	RSA	UK	USA
Stop
Yield / Give Way
Yield to oncoming traffic
No entry
Road closed	or
Stop ahead
Yield / Give Way ahead
Traffic signals ahead
Roundabout ahead
Two-way traffic ahead

References